1. Eligibility and Application
Age Requirement: Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Student volunteers (e.g., high school or college students) may participate but must be supervised by at least one adult volunteer per shift. All volunteers under 18 must have parental consent.
Application Process: All volunteers must complete an application form and answer all questions truthfully.
Health and Fitness: Volunteers must be in good physical health and disclose any medical conditions that could affect participation, such as allergies or limitations in working with children.
Skills and Training: Volunteers should have experience or enthusiasm for working with children.
2. Volunteer Responsibilities
Duties: Volunteers will manage various Children's Activities, including Kids Crafts and Story Time in the Library, Fishing Off the Pier, operating the Bouncy House next to the Library, and activities in the Johnson Lot such as pictures with a mermaid and other fun engagements. Responsibilities include setting out supplies and gear, assisting parents and children during activities (open 1 1 am - 3 pm or as shift entails), ensuring safe participation, and maintaining a fun, inclusive environment.
Morning shifts handle primary setup, while afternoon shifts manage cleanup. If volunteering for the full period, sign up for both shift slots.
Conduct: Maintain a professional, positive, and child-friendly demeanor at all times. No discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. Volunteers must adhere to the Organization's code of conduct, including child protection policies (e.g., no unsupervised one-on-one interactions with children).
Compliance: Follow all instructions from Activity coordinators or staff. Comply with local laws, safety regulations, and Event policies, including proper supervision ratios and emergency reporting.
Confidentiality: Do not disclose personal information about children, parents, or Event operations without permission. Respect privacy in photos or interactions.
Availability and Check-In: Commit to scheduled shifts and arrive at your station 5 minutes early, staying 5 minutes after for handoff. All volunteers must first check in at the Masonic Lodge to receive a Volunteer t-shirt, badge, and last-minute instructions—allow ample time for this. Please check out through the Masonic Lodge to turn in any equipment and/or request letters of volunteer time.
3. Safety and Risk Acknowledgment
Inherent Risks: Activities involve risks such as minor injuries from crafts or play (e.g., slips in the Bouncy House, or on other wet surfaces), weather exposure, or interactions with crowds and children. Volunteers acknowledge these risks and participate at their own peril, while prioritizing child safety.
Safety Equipment and Procedures: Use provided safety gear (e.g., first aid kits, life vests for pier activities) as directed. Monitor children closely, report any hazards or incidents immediately, and familiarize yourself with emergency protocols, including child-specific evacuations and lost child procedures.
Child Protection: Volunteers must ensure a safe environment, report any concerns about child welfare promptly, and follow guidelines for background-checked supervision.
Insurance: The Organization provides limited liability insurance for volunteers during assigned activities. Volunteers are responsible for their own health, travel, and personal property insurance.
4. Liability Waiver and Release
Waiver: By volunteering, you waive any claims against CHWA, Penn Cove Shellfish, their staff, affiliates, sponsors, or other volunteers for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation, including child-related incidents, except in cases of gross negligence.
Indemnification: You agree to indemnify the CHWA and its partners against any claims resulting from your actions or omissions, such as inadequate supervision or activity mishaps.
Photo/Video Release: The Organization may capture and use photos or videos of volunteers and activities (with parental consent for children) for promotional purposes. If you object to your own image being used, notify the coordinator in writing prior to your shift.
5. Termination and Disciplinary Action
Termination: The Organization may terminate volunteer participation at any time for violations of these Terms, unsafe behavior, failure to follow child safety protocols, or other reasons.
No Compensation: Volunteering is unpaid and voluntary; no employment relationship is implied. Limited reimbursements for pre-approved expenses may be available.
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes will be resolved through informal mediation with CHWA coordinators, or if necessary, under the laws of the State of Washington.
6. Environmental and Ethical Commitments
Sustainability: Promote eco-friendly practices, such as using recyclable craft materials and educating children on marine conservation tied to Musselfest themes.
Inclusivity: Foster an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates community and fun for all children, aligning with the Event's focus on the historic waterfront and local industry.
7. Acceptance
By signing or electronically agreeing to these Terms (e.g., via the volunteer application), you confirm you have read, understood, and accept them. For questions, contact the CHWA volunteer coordinator through this Event website.
